American and Canadian Studies Year Abroad Information

Trent 2 semesters 4 courses per semesterUniversity SchedulesClasses at Canadian universities begin the first Tuesday after the Labour Day holiday which occurs on the firstMonday in September. Classes at some U.S. universities begin in mid to late August while others start in earlySeptember after the Labor Day holiday. Exam sessions occur in December and classes resume in January. Classesat Canadian universities end in early April and the remainder of April is for exams. Some U.S. universities follow asimilar pattern while others have classes that extend into May followed by exams.PERSONAL STATEMENTThis is part of some application forms although the length-requirement varies considerable from university touniversity. While it is not crucial, it is nevertheless a useful way of organizing and clarifying your futureacademic plans and demonstrating to your potential host that you area motivated and enthusiastic student. Youshould emphasise your academic goals and how these relate to university choice and your career ambitions.Focus on how the courses, specialisms and departments of your chosen campus fit with your desired study path.If there are areas outside American or Canadian Studies at a particular campus that you are especially interestedin, you might mention these as well, e.g. an extra-curricular activity such as student journalism or a sport youwish to continue to pursue.The style is important: express yourself briefly, clearly, and assertively. There is a tendency for British studentsto understate their achievements. If possible, type, or at least write legibly with a black pen so it can bephotocopied. The Year Abroad Tutor will be glad to discuss the statement with you.OTHER APPLICATION MATERIALSYou MAY also need:- a letter of recommendation from ACS (e.g. from personal or academic tutor)-photocopies of your A Level certificates.- a transcript of courses with examination results taken in the first year, and courses being taken in thesecond year (obtainable from ACS)FINANCIAL ISSUESIf you are applying to universities in the U.S., you will probably need to provide documentation with yourapplication that demonstrates that you can cover the estimated costs of living and studying there. Your applicationmaterials will specify the amount if this is the case, and will most likely suggest forms of documentation which willprovide evidence, but keep reading for some suggestions.For locations which do not require this at the point of application, proof of financial support does not need to besubmitted until you are applying for your US or Canadian Visa. US or Canadian citizens will not need to providethis documentation.Before a campus may send the form (I-20 or DS-2019) allowing you to apply to the Embassy of the United Statesfor a visa (F-1 or J-1), it must be certain that you have adequate means to support yourself for the nine months ofacademic study. For this reason, it is ESSENTIAL that you supply FULL and SPECIFIC information.You must provide documented evidence of having access to at least the amount specified for the "estimated livingexpenses" for your campus. Every source of financial support must be proven with an official document whichspecifies a figure.